Tottenham's bid to appoint Franco Baldini as their technical director is being delayed by Roma’s search for a new manager.

Baldini is believed to be ready to offer his resignation as director general of the Italian club after two poor seasons and is Spurs’ No1 choice to provide the link between head coach Andre Villas-Boas and the board of directors.

Yet the process is being held up because Roma have not yet secured a manager for next season. They were close to hiring Massimiliano Allegri before he decided to stay at AC Milan.

The favourites for the Roma job are now former France coach Laurent Blanc and compatriot Rudi Garcia, who led Lille to the league and cup double in France in 2011.

Roma president James Pallotta is expected to make his decision this week and he will then turn to sorting out the future of Baldini (above), who was Fabio Capello’s right-hand man with England.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke is high on Spurs’ list of targets as they try to improve their striking options for next season.